Paired Texts > FDR and the New Deal

by Mike Kubic 2017

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

FDR's First Inaugural Address
FDR's First Inaugural Address
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected President of the United States, the country was in the grips of the Great Depression. At his inauguration on March 4, 1933, he delivered this famous speech in which he addresses the growing fear that plagued a nation in crisis — "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Pair “FDR’s First Inaugural Address” with “FDR and the New Deal” and ask students to discuss how President Roosevelt describes his intentions to improve America’s economy. How does this compare to Mike Kubic’s depiction of President Roosevelt and his intentions in the text? Do students think that President Roosevelt accomplished what he set out to do with his New Deal program? Why or why not?

10th Grade Speech 1220L
The Economic Bill of Rights
The Economic Bill of Rights
President Franklin D. Roosevelt

In this historical speech, "The Economic Bill of Rights," former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt discusses the importance of ensuring that the basic needs of all citizens are met.

Pair “The Economic Bill of Rights” with “FDR and the New Deal” and ask students to discuss the importance of financial security in America. How did President Roosevelt’s beliefs changed between the time periods of the two texts? Do students think that President Roosevelt addressed the economic issues of America in “The Economic Bill of Rights” with the same intensity as he did when he was first elected? Why or why not?

9th Grade Speech 1190L
The Great Depression
The Great Depression
Mike Kubic

In "The Great Depression," Kubic explores the causes and effects of the Great Depression, as well as the economic reforms that resulted from this era.

Pair “The Great Depression” with “FDR and the New Deal” to provide students with historical background on the Great Depression. How did the Great Depression negatively impact Americans? How did President Roosevelt’s New Deal program attempt to resolve these problems? In what ways was the New Deal successful?

11th Grade Informational Text 1310L
Abolishing child labor took the specter of 'white slavery' and the job market's near collapse during the Great Depression
Abolishing child labor took the specter of 'white slavery' and the job market's near collapse during the Great Depression
Betsy Wood

In this text, Betsy Wood explains the debate over children working in the United States and the ratification of Child Labor Laws during the Great Depression.

Pair “FDR and the New Deal” with “Abolishing child labor took the specter of ‘white slavery’ and the job market’s near collapse during the Great Depression ” to provide students with more information about President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Based on what you know about the Great Depression, how did FDR’s New Deal attempt to solve America’s problems? What impact did the New Deal have on child labor laws? How did ending child labor impact American adults?

10th Grade Non-Fiction - General 1160L